Home electricity use falls to 2001 levels

The average amount of electricity consumed in U.S. homes has fallen to 2001 levels, The Associated Press reports.

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Energy-efficient housing, appliances and the like have power usage set to decline in 2013 for the third year in a row — to 10,819 kilowatt hours per household, according to data from the Energy Information Administration.

This year's levels are the lowest since 2001, when U.S. homes consumed 10,535 kwh.

Federal standards, which become more stringent as technology approves, have pushed development of more efficient refrigerators, air conditioners and newer homes.

In 2014, residential electricity use per customer is expected to drop by 1 percent, according to the Energy Department.